Riding mowers and lawn tractors are great cutting tools if you want to carry out proper maintenance on a large lawn. However, you should know that these machines aren’t that cheap. In fact, the best riding lawn mowers under $2000 simply don’t exist.
Because of this, our team picked and tested lawn care selections near this budget range without the risk of breaking the bank.
Reviews of the Top Riding Lawn Mowers Under $2000
1. Craftsman T150 Riding Lawn Mower
Since Craftsman T150 carries a 19 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, operating through tough and uneven terrain comes easy for this riding mower. It also runs with a hydrostatic transmission feature, resulting in an excellent power-to-weight ratio.
Unlike other gas-powered riding mowers, its powerful engine starts smoothly and easily thanks to its self-propel system. Our testers also liked that this awesome machine has a 2-gallon fuel tank capacity because it eliminates the disruption caused by refueling.
It’s made of a compact steel deck, but you can rely on this riding lawnmower to hold up to 25 lbs of grass during usage.
What We Like
- Capable of mowing in reverse directions
- Equipped with a high-capacity gas tank
- Adjustable cutting height & easy assembly
- Thicker rear wheel for better clearance
- Suitable for uneven ground & tight spaces
What We Don't Like
- Shorter cutting deck than commercial lawn tractors
- More expensive than other riding mowers
2. 9POINT9 Zero-turn Mower
Although 9POINT9 Zero-Turn Mower isn’t as well-known as other brands, it has a 4-stroke engine and self-propelled system that suits different cutting applications. It may look compact at first glance, but it covers a wide area quicker and more efficiently than a regular push mower.
And given its small construction, it won’t take up much space in the storage. This space-saving design also equates to an easy cleaning process rare for gas-powered mowers.
Since it has a zero-degree turning radius, you can count on this unit to maneuver around a vast lawn.
What We Like
- It doesn’t take too much storage space
- Closer to the $2000 price range
- Easy to assemble and clean
What We Don't Like
- Limited deck positions
- Shorter cutting capacity
3. Troy-Bilt TB46 Riding Mower
When it comes to comfort, Troy-Bilt TB46’s mid-back seat and soft-touch grip are features no user can ignore. And considering how the unit is powered with a 19 HP Briggs & Stratton motor engine, we can attest to how reliable it was throughout heavy-duty operations.
You can activate the automatic transmission through a simple step on the foot pedal. After that, you can rest easy and adjust the deck height according to your lawn’s cutting needs. You may not know, but this feature allows the mowing deck to be adjusted in five positions.
What We Like
- It can mow grass in reverse
- Easy-to-adjust mowing deck height
- Reliable and powerful engine
- Two-year product warranty
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended on slopes
- Not suited for heavy attachments
4. Husqvarna YTH24V48 Riding Lawn Mower
With a hydrostatic engine that operates at 24 HP, no one can deny that YTH24V48 is a great Husqvarna mower to have around the backyard. This massive power allows the unit to cover mowing operations at 6 miles per hour.
On top of that, you can also expect this tool to deliver consistent cuts since it’s equipped with a twin-blade system. If you’re unfamiliar with using ride-on mowing tools, you don’t need to worry because it’s a self-propelled wheel drive. It means that its steering mechanisms are easy to maneuver.
What We Like
- Built with a steel deck for durability
- Powerful machine but fuel-efficient
- It’s not as heavy as other gas options
- Folds down for convenient storage
What We Don't Like
- It requires the purchase of additional accessories
- Not a budget-friendly ride-on mowing machine
5. Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Compact Riding Mower
Another compact but powerful option you can consider is Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro. Despite its smaller size, it’s crucial to note that this model has an excellent power-to-weight ratio that can easily eliminate tall grasses.
We also liked that you can adjust the mower’s height up to three inches. Through this feature, you don’t need to worry no matter what your lawn conditions are.
If the area has uneven terrain, the Cub Cadet mower’s four-wheel drive will surely delight your day. For our testers, it made the ride smoother and easier to maneuver. This convenient incident is highly owed to the unit’s Kohler hydrostatic ride-on system.
What We Like
- It has a fuel tank capacity of 20 gallons
- Also suitable for grass bagging and mulching
- Great tool for cutting tall grasses and thick leaves
What We Don't Like
- It’s a loud and heavy lawnmower
- Not suitable for regular mowing jobs
6. Snapper 2911525BVE Riding Mower
Riding lawn mowers need not be massive because smaller models like Snapper 2911525BVE include enough features to cover rough terrain. As a rear-engine lawn mower, you can rest easy it won’t get stuck or miss a spot in the lawn.
(Check this review of the top-rated rear-engine riding mowers for more quality options!)
Instead of manual power take-off, this mower operates with an electric starting system. It allows newbie mower users to conveniently get the engine up and running regardless of their skill levels.
It also features an adjustable steering wheel handle that enables our resident mowing experts to change the deck’s position. Thanks to this, we got around trees and obstacles with less hassle.
What We Like
- Easier to control than zero-turn mowers
- It has a three-step height adjustment
- Great tool for mowing around obstacles
- Surprisingly powerful despite its size
What We Don't Like
- Not the best riding mower for tough and tall grass
- Lower cutting capacity than other models
7. Troy-Bilt Pony 42X Lawn Tractor
For a small price bump, you can get high-quality riding mowers in the form of Troy-Bilt Pony 42X. It may have a smaller cutting deck of 42 inches, but this Troy-Bilt mower runs with anti-scalp tires that lower the chances of lawn turf damage.
While it’s not the best riding lawn mower under $2000, it’s a great option if you want a unit with a built-in deck wash system.
Compared to some residential lawn mowers, this Troy-Bilt riding mower offers more power with its 24 HP OHV motor. It also carries a full tank with a capacity of 3 gallons to deliver well on long-haul mowing operations.
What We Like
- Comfortable steering wheel and seat
- Smooth speed range adjustments
- Ideal riding mower for large residential properties
- High fuel and power capacity
What We Don't Like
- Not made with a cast-iron front axle
- Shorter cutting width than other riding mowers
Riding Lawn Mower Under $2000 Buyer’s Guide
Riding Mower Types
Zero-turn
Unlike other mower types, zero-turns have speed and maneuverability right inside their pockets. It can easily make turns, but its learning curve is quite steep. Because of that, we don’t recommend it for beginners.
Front-engine
Mowers with front-mounted engines are often designed with bigger cutting decks. These models can range from 36 to 54 inches. And with bigger deck sizes, your tool can mow through a wider cutting area.
Rear-engine
In contrast, rear-engine lawnmowers are equipped with smaller decks, around 28 to 34 inches. Given its compact construction, it’s ideal for mowing land around 1 acre.
Also Read: The Best Riding Lawn Mower for 1-Acre Lawns
Transmission
If your lawn has an open structure, going for models with manual transmission is not a problem. You’ll have no obstacles to ride over, so manually changing gears should do the job just fine. On top of that, these mowers cost less.
The only problem is these lawnmower types can’t get into tight corners and narrow spaces. And if you need a mowing tool that you can set in different directions, that’s where models with auto transmission come in.
Horsepower and Engine Size
You may think a lawn mower should have a powerful motor engine. However, you should know that the engine’s size and the lawn’s size should match perfectly for the mowing tool to work well.
For example, you’d want an engine with a higher Horsepower specification if you’re maintaining an extensive lawn or using heavy-duty attachments. Meanwhile, you must buy a less powerful machine if you’re managing a smaller property with space that cannot accommodate a massive tool.
Size of the Cutting Deck
Regarding the cutting deck specifications, remember that wider construction means faster mowing time. In other words, lawnmowers with wider decks can cover more area in a short time.
Mower Cutting Width
The right width specifications depend on how vast the area you’ll be cutting. Should you need a ride-on lawn mower for 2 acres of land, units with 46-inch decks should deliver well. Meanwhile, mowers around 24 inches are enough for 1 acre of land.
Blade Replacements
Besides mowing, these tools can also do mulching. To do this, you’ll have to check if the unit has blade replacements for these tasks.
Comfort and Maneuverability
Based on experts, the feature that would make your lawnmower maneuverable is reliable cruise control [1]. Besides, the seat should also be comfortable enough to get you through extensive mowing time.
It’ll also help you greatly if the leg space isn’t too narrow. This way, you won’t get muscle cramps during usage.
Attachments
After the mowing season, you can still use your lawnmower, provided that you have the right attachment. As previously mentioned, these tools can do mulching and plowing.
Should You Get an Affordable or Expensive Riding Lawn Mower?
Like it or not, ride-on lawnmowers aren’t cheap. Because of this, you must allocate enough budget to invest in it. However, it doesn’t mean that higher price tags automatically equate with better performance.
No matter how expensive a cutting machine is, it won’t work well if it’s not aligned with your lawn’s needs.
Riding Mower Safety Tips
- Don’t operate mowers near children or pets.
- One operator should only ride the machine.
- Unless it’s needed, avoid mowing in reverse.
- Not all mowers have great traction in wet grass.
- Check the fuel sight window before usage.
How To Keep Your Riding Mower Well-Maintained
- Use compressed air to clean the riding mower.
- Don’t forget to replace gas, oil, and filters before usage.
- The mower’s wheels should have proper tire pressure.
- It would help if you sharpened the blade regularly.
- If you can’t, contact an expert to do the sharpening.
FAQ
How much horsepower do I need for my riding lawn mower?
Your ride-on mower should have a horsepower of not less than 15. The larger the lawn your tool had to cover, the higher this specification should be.
Is it possible to put a larger seat on my riding mower?
As long as the new seat is appropriately fastened, you’ll have no problem getting larger ones for your lawnmower.
Is a bigger riding mower better?
No, bigger riding mowers aren’t always better for your lawn. Ultimately, it depends on the lawn condition you’ll be using them on. Riding a bigger mower can be challenging if your property requires frequent direction changes and obstacles.
Our Top Pick For a Riding Lawn Mower Under $2000:
Craftsman T150 Riding Lawn Mower
Craftsman T150 is the best riding lawn mower under $2000 range. Though this unit may not be under the budget, its great features are worth investing in.
Despite its compact construction, our experts unanimously agree that its smooth hydrostatic transmission and great power-to-weight ratio are enough to elevate your mowing experience.
- Is Zebrawood a Hardwood? Is it Good for Floors and Furniture? - May 28, 2023
- What is the Best Wood Sealer for Cedar? (2023) - May 27, 2023
- Woodworking Statistics and Demographics - May 26, 2023
